The ever popular crowd-pulling Vulcan bomber will be appearing at the Clacton Air Show this summer. Tendring District Council (TDC), organisers of the event, has secured its appearance on Friday, August 23.

The Avro Vulcan, the most recognisable of the V-bombers, made its debut at the air show last year and proved a smash hit with people travelling from far and wide to get a glimpse.

The aircraft appearing at Clacton is the world’s last flying Avro Vulcan.

There had been fears that it would have to stop flying at the end of the year but earlier this month it was announced its future is secure through to the end of 2015 at least.

It is to receive a vital airframe modification that will ensure that she is airworthy for a while longer. The good news was made following extensive research by The Vulcan to the Sky Trust, the charity that operates the aircraft. The charity’s engineering team now believes it can solve the series of complex technical challenges that could have grounded her for good.

The Avro Vulcan was one of the most impressive aircraft of its time and remains so to this day, incorporating many advances in technology and aerodynamics when it was designed in the years after the Second World War. Its requirement was to fly long distances and drop nuclear bombs but the only war it ever took part in was a conventional one in the Falklands.

Alan Goggin, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Tourism, said the Vulcan is a major coup for the show “We promised that there was a big announcement to come – and they don’t come much bigger, or louder, than the Vulcan Bomber,” he said. “So many people said we had to get it back after last year’s display and I am delighted the team have pulled it off.”

Further details of other flights, activities and attractions will be unveiled over the coming weeks.

Cllr Goggin added that the addition of the Vulcan has financial implications for the two-day event which takes place on August 22 and 23.

“It would be fantastic if there was a firm or organisation out there which would be willing to sponsor that particular aircraft and I can promise them an excellent package should they wish to do so,” he said.

“We are also very hopeful that the appearance of the Vulcan will persuade people to dig deep and make a contribution when the buckets go round at the show for a donation.”

The Vulcan will be joining the Tutor, Tucano and Sea King helicopter, the world famous Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and Trig Aerobatic team in the programme – and there will be more to come.

The Clacton Air Show is the signature event on Tendring’s tourism calendar and a vital boost to the District’s economy – bringing in around £4 million more than would be generated over the two days without the event.

Anyone wanting information about sponsorship opportunities, hospitality, or trade space should contact 01255 686683 or 01255 686654.

Farnborough International Limited (FIL), has confirmed that it will introduce a dedicated General Aviation (GA) Park as part of the new look Farnborough Airshow. The GA Park will showcase the latest in private and recreational flying and hopes to attract all the leading aircraft and helicopter manufacturers and distributors in the category.

Comprising a dedicated arena with marquee structures for each stand, exhibitors will have the opportunity to participate in the consumer event taking place on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July or for a full seven days incorporating the five-day Farnborough International Airshow trade event.

Speaking about the announcement at the Paris Airshow, FIL Director heading-up the public airshow development, Trevor Barratt, said, “The GA Park will bridge the gap between the public and trade event; it will allow even more manufacturers and distributors to attend the world-class exhibition and showcase their products and it will introduce a new consumer audience to the show.”

FIL CEO, Shaun Ormrod further added, “As organisers of a major aviation expo, we want to put our expertise into putting on a great public event that stands apart from other airshows. The Farnborough Airshow brand is strong and we are confident the introduction of GA and other new features will attract a broader audience.”

The GA Park is just one element of Farnborough Airshow’s public weekend. The new look show will form a stand-alone consumer event with its own branding and deliver an even wider offering to visitors. As well as the 5 ½ hour flying spectacular, static aircraft display and other family attractions, plans for the event include a motor vehicle exhibition, high-end retail facilities, more interaction, enhanced grandstand seating from which to enjoy the air displays, advanced visitor packages, and a broader selection of food and beverage outlets.

The organisers of the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) Shoreham Airshow being held on 31st August and September 1st are delighted to announce new major sponsors on board for this their 24th Airshow which to date has raised. 1.8 Million Pounds for RAFA Funds.

Air BP has joined Spitfire Ale (Shepherd Neame), Southern Trains and Johnson’s Press (Group Papers Hampshire and Sussex) as major sponsors. “The Aviation Division of BP is delighted to associate itself with Shoreham Airshow considered by many to be one of the most popular aviation events in the UK that has given so much to such a deserving charity as the Royal Air Forces Association,” said their spokesperson.

Other supporters include Bunn Leisure, Winner Plant Hire, Southern Water, Rabbit Skips, Splash FM, Brietling and Brighton Shoreham Airport. “These are very important to us at Shoreham as they provide the support we need in many areas to make sure the show runs to the standards the CAA expects,” said Derek Harber Airshow Organiser.

Rod Dean, the Airshow Flying Display Director has confirmed that the Vulcan has been booked for Sunday 1st September.

He added, “The flying display is all but completed and we will be featuring some new participants to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of 617 Squadrons Dambusters Raid and the Salute to the US Mighty 8th Air Force. The RAF is providing a full assortment of display aircraft including the Eurofighter and Lancaster.

Civilian owned Aircraft including the North American Sabre, Hawker Hunter T7 and Strikemaster jets will also be flying. The Breitling Wingwalkers and the Matadors will take to the air as will the RN Historic Flight’s Sea Fury and Swordfish. The Airfield Attack and Scramble supported by pyrotechnics and ground support will return along with the World War One Display Team.”

“Ground attractions and the static aircraft display make it a full day out for all our visitors and we have not forgotten the children with a fun fair and flight simulators. Military vehicle displays will run alongside the popular craft tent. On Saturday evening we have the very colourful kite display lighting up the skies over the airfield,” said John Periam Airshow Press Officer.

“It has now become a mammoth task for the airshow team to run this event. We know we can’t please all, but we can assure you that it is a real value family day out with over 5 hours flying and 60 participating display aircraft. With the backdrop of Lancing College and the South Downs it makes Shoreham a unique display which is highly respected by pilots and members of the armed services, as is shown by their continued support over the years,” said Derek Harber.

Our website www.shorehamairshow.co.uk is updated on a regular basis and the Johnson’s Press ticket hotlines are now open on 01903 714135 and 01903 282382. They are also selling tickets at over 75 retail outlets in Hampshire and Sussex.

For those that want to see the show in style there is the Executive Enclosure where you can enjoy lunch and afternoon tea whilst watching the flying close to the crowd line. For more information please contact the airshow office on 01273 441545.

RIAT, held annually at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, is one of the UK’s top outdoor family events with upwards of 130,000 visitors each year. The 2013 show, a ‘Celebration of Aviation Excellence’ will take place over the weekend of 20 and 21 July. Footage captured at the event will go straight into post-production with The Media Group and the finished product is due to ship in August.

Richard Arquati, Head of press and public relations at the RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises said “The Air Tattoo has a fantastic line-up this year with around 200 aircraft from across the world taking part. Capturing all the action is tricky but we’re delighted to be working with The Media Group, who have the right balance of ideas and expertise to produce an exciting, memorable product.”

The Media Group will continue to produce the annual RAF Waddington airshow DVD, which they have produced for the past four years.

The Media Group’s managing director Keith Daniell says: “Airshows are fantastic events to film as there is thrilling action in the sky and lots of emotional stories behind the scenes. Our annual production for Waddington always gets great reviews and we’re looking forward to producing a new DVD that RIAT will be proud of.”

Tickets for the Royal International Air Tattoo can be purchased on the official website – http://www.airtattoo.com/airshow/airshow-tickets.

DVD pre-orders will be available online soon.

On the ground a whole range of new exhibits and interactive displays provided entertainment for all the family.

An appearance by Captain Wales (Prince Harry) flying the Apache took the crowd by surprise and was a first for the Air Show circuit. On the ground a visit from Carol Vorderman helped launch the Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics area and her visit and the programme signing session by the Red Arrows both proved popular with the public.

Unfortunately the large crowd numbers led to congestion on the roads and many people were delayed getting to the show. On the day organisers introduced contingency parking spaces and everybody who arrived at the show was able to get in. Air Show Spokesman Amanda Butcher said “We worked hard with the Civilian Police and the Highways Agency to try to manage the huge volume of traffic trying to get to the show and we thank the vast majority of the members of the public for their patience. We did ask those without tickets not to come but many did still travel and that added to the volume of traffic.”

Anybody who was unable to get to RAF Cosford and wishes to apply for a refund should visit the Air Show website for further information on how to do so. Applications will be addressed on an individual basis.

The new £26million Wildcat combat helicopter was unveiled in July 2012 and will be deployed to fight the Taliban, pirates, drug-smugglers and terrorists. The state-of-the-art multi-role chopper – so powerful it can blow a submarine out of the water – will play a vital role in military operations for the Royal Navy and Army from 2014.

The sophisticated aircraft’s primary task will be to protect soldiers on the battlefield and the Royal Navy’s fleet around the world. It is also designed to carry out a raft of other missions including cargo transport, casualty evacuation, troop carrying, surveillance and search and rescue.

Jamie McAllister, Event Director comments: “As one of the only UK airshows debuting the new Wildcat helicopter it’s a real coup for Wings & Wheels and our visitors. We have the strongest aviation line-up on the events calendar with more to announce over the coming months.”

Visitors to Wings & Wheels can also enjoy the world famous Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Typhoon, Team Breitling Wingwalkers and a host of other modern and historic aircraft during the 5 hour flying displays. For four and two wheeled fans, supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a 2 hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum.

The 9th annual Wings & Wheels will be held over the August Bank holiday weekend; Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th August 2013, at Dunsfold Park near Guildford, Surrey, and is open to spectators from 09:00 until 18:00.

Tickets start from £20 for adults, £45 for a family (2 adults and 3 children aged 5 – 15yrs), £6 for children aged between 5 and 15yrs and under 5s are free. Hospitality packages start from £65 per person, weekend passes, grandstand tickets and camping are also available. For more information visit www.wingsandwheels.net or to book standard tickets call 08712 305 572.

Wings & Wheels is promoted by Dunsfold Park Limited with proceeds going to nominated charities: Brooklands Museum Trust and Help for Heroes.

The advance ticket sales from the website, the 24 hour telephone hotline and the various outlets across the West Midlands are already more than double the figure sold in 2012 with still 4 days to go until the event.

Organisers are therefore expecting a mammoth turnout and car parks could reach capacity. People that have purchased tickets in advance are advised to make their way to RAF Cosford early to minimise the possibility of disappointment later in the day.

Members of the public are reminded that rail travel is extremely convenient to the Shropshire base with Cosford railway station situated right next to the airfield, dropping passengers off just a short walk to the pedestrian entrance.

Those travelling on Arriva Trains Wales can also benefit from the discounted ‘advance’ ticket price, even on tickets purchased on the day, when purchased alongside their rail ticket. Arriva Trains Wales have also placed more services in their timetable for the 9th June to cater for the expected increase in numbers.

The RAF Cosford Air Show team have implemented a robust traffic management plan which aims to ease any congestion and have also put together contingency plans should more car parking space be required.

Air Show spokesman Amanda Butcher says “With the great British weather finally emerging this week, we are preparing for potentially the largest Air Show we’ve held over recent years and therefore encourage members of the public to exploit the extra services on offer from Arriva Trains Wales. We hope that the weather forecast stays in our favour and that everybody attending this year has a truly splendid family day out.”

All profits made from the RAF Cosford Air Show are donated to service and local charities.

Anybody with a query relating to the Air Show are prompted to check out the FAQ on the website before contacting the Air Show Office due to the incredibly high volume of calls currently being received.

For more information or to book tickets please visit www.cosfordairshow.co.uk or call 24-hour ticket line on 0871 230 1083 (10p/min).

And the nostalgic Vintage Village makes a welcome return!

The Flying Legends Air Show (Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July) sees a welcome return by The Bremont Horsemen Flight Team, best known for their masterful handling of P-51 Mustangs which they flew at Flying Legends in 2009 and 2011.

At this year’s Flying Legends Air Show, The Bremont Horsemen Flight Team presents the worldwide debut of their thrilling new display in a trio of Supermarine Spitfires.

The Bremont Horsemen are Steve Hinton, Dan Friedkin and Ed Shipley, highly-skilled warbird pilots who share a passion for showcasing historic aircraft.

Steve Hinton has been performing at air shows around the world for more than 35 years, flying over 150 types of aircraft. His restoration company, Fighter Rebuilders LLC, has restored more than 40 warbirds to pristine flying condition.

Steve has been President of Planes of Fame Air Museum since 1994. He is a founding member of the Motion Picture Pilots’ Association, a civilian pilot with the USAF Heritage Flight, a world speed record holder, a Reno Air Race champion and has enjoyed more than 7,000 hours flying in Second World War fighter aircraft. Steve was inducted into the EAA Warbird Hall of Fame in 2005 and received the Art Sholl Showmanship Award from the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) in 2010.

Ed Shipley’s air show career began with the Six of Diamonds T-6 Texan formation aerobatic team, where he flew as right wing and lead pilot. He is a founding member of The Horsemen. Ed was a 747 pilot for Atlas Air and has flown at air shows for over 20 years in the T-6 Texan, P-51 Mustang, F-4U4 Corsair and F-86 Sabre.

He has piloted a P-51 Mustang across the Atlantic and flown an F-4U Corsair from a nuclear aircraft carrier. Ed was a board member of the International Council of Air Shows and is currently an ICAS ace evaluator for warbirds and jet aircraft.

Dan Friedkin grew up enraptured by flight. As a young teenager, he began flying gliders and quickly progressed to pilot a variety of tail-wheel aircraft and helicopters.

By the age of 18, Dan was rated in the Lockheed Jetstar. Two years later, he became enthralled with the P-51 Mustang, beginning a life-long fascination with warbirds. Dan flies the T-6 Texan, P-51 Mustang, P38 Lightning, F-86 Sabre, Grumman F6F Hellcat, Grumman F8F Bearcat, F4U-4 Corsair, Hawker Hurricane and various marks of Supermarine Spitfire. He is founder and chairman of the Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation and one of nine civilian pilots qualified to fly in formation with US Air Force single-ship demonstration teams.

1940s nostalgia in the Vintage Village

Following the success of the Vintage Village at the Flying Legends Air Show 2012, it makes a welcome return this year in all its bygone charm!

Situated on the historic hangar base next to Wing Co Joe’s Café, the Vintage Village offers a nostalgic destination for rest and relaxation. Enjoy a glass of fizz or two from the stylish Prosecco Bar and watch the world go by in our traditional deckchair seating area.

Enjoy authentic thirties and forties songs, sung in true Andrews Sisters style by The Manhattan Dolls, direct from New York. The Manhattan Dolls have wowed the crowds at Flying Legends over the past two years with their stylish and glamorous performances. Sing along with them as they perform instantly recognisable wartime hits or cut a rug with a jitterbug on the hangar base.

Accompanying The Manhattan Dolls, and playing musical interludes, will be the Wilmslow Concert Band. They will perform swing and big band hits of the thirties and forties for your listening pleasure.

Enjoy a unique living history experience aboard the Home Front Bus. This classic double-decker bus contains detailed reconstructions of a 1940s living room, a wartime shop, a bombed-out street and an air raid shelter. Containing period features and artefacts, the Home Front Bus replicates the sights, sounds and smells of the Home Front, creating an authentic trip back in time.

Also on display in the Vintage Village will be a replica Supermarine Spitfire. Why not complete your day of nostalgia by having your photograph taken next to this iconic British aircraft?

Enhance your vintage experience by pre-ordering an IWM Duxford Picnic Hamper. Soak up the atmosphere in the Vintage Village and sink back into a traditional deckchair as you enjoy a perfect ration-free picnic lunch for two, including a scrumptious red onion and goats cheese tart, homemade bloomer sandwiches, hand-cut crisps, a seasonal salad, mixed olives, a refreshing Pimms summer berry jelly and traditional lemonade, all served in a disposable hamper which includes cutlery, plates and glasses. Forties food never tasted so good!

The IWM Duxford picnic hamper for two costs £26.50. To order, please email duxfordevents@elior.com or call 01223 497 501. Please give a minimum of three days notice for your picnic order. Picnics are then collected from Wing Co Joe’s Café on the day.

Join us for some forties fun in the Vintage Village!

Flying Legends

Over 50 historic aircraft are already booked to appear at the Flying Legends Air Show 2013. In addition to the first ever performance by The Bremont Horsemen Spitfire display, there will also a rare chance to see two iconic British Gloster Gladiator aircraft display over IWM Duxford’s historic airfield.

A worldwide following has ensured that the Flying Legends Air Show is the heritage air show event in the aviation calendar. Each of the historic aircraft on display at the Flying Legends Air Show is a living tribute

to the outstanding skills of the people who built, maintained and flew them and to the dedication of those who have brought these stunning aircraft back to life.

The Flying Legends Air Show presents these iconic aircraft in a spectacular display that honours their history and aerial achievements. The flying display promises an unmissable fusion of power, sound, excitement and nostalgia as a series of rare and unique piston-engined aircraft perform their breathtaking flights over the historic airfield at IWM Duxford.

Buy now and save!

To purchase your tickets go to iwm.org.uk

On Monday 27 May, the Eagle Squadron will carry out a commemorative formation flypast of American Second World War airfields to honour the American airmen who died whilst fighting for their country from British soil.

The Eagle Squadron’s historic Hawker Hurricane X, Supermarine Spitfire Mk I, Republic P-47G Thunderbolt and North American P-51C Mustang Princess Elizabeth will fly alongside B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B in a poignant commemoration of the legendary fighter and bomber aircraft flown by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) in England.

Leading the Eagle Squadron and B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B will be two-seater P-51 Mustang Miss Velma, which will be carrying a very special passenger, United States Army Air Forces veteran Clarence ‘Bud’ Anderson. The Eagle Squadron formation takes off from IWM Duxford at approximately 11.48am.

This year, IWM Duxford commemorates the 70th anniversary of the United States Army Air Forces arriving at RAF Duxford. From its arrival at RAF Duxford in April 1943, the 78th Fighter Group flew P-47 Thunderbolts on bomber escort duty, switching to P-51 Mustangs in December 1944.

From IWM Duxford, the Eagle Squadron formation’s first destination is Bassingbourn Barracks, which was home to the USAAF 91st Bomb Group from August 1942 to June 1945. The 91st Bomb Group flew B-17 Flying Fortresses, the most famous of which was the Memphis Belle.

On leaving Bassingbourn, the Eagle Squadron will fly over Cambridge American Cemetery at Madingley, where a memorial ceremony is being held.

The formation then continues to RAF Mildenhall, home to the modern-day United States Air Force in Europe, and from there to Bodney airfield, which was home to the 352nd Fighter Group from May 1943 until V E Day.

From Bodney, the aircraft continue to RAF Snetterton Heath, which was used by the 8th Air Force 96th Bombardment Group from June 1943 until its deactivation in December 1945.

Then onwards to RAF Knettishall, which was built for the 8th Air Force during 1942-1943 with a specification to accommodate heavy bombers. It was home to the 388th Bombardment Group from June 1943 until V E Day.

The next destination is RAF Horham, which was handed over to the 13th Combat Bombardment Wing of the 3rd Bomb Division in 1942. Horham was mostly home to the 95th Bombardment Group (Heavy) which flew B-17 Flying Fortresses in bombing campaigns until V E Day.

From Horham, the Eagle Squadron over flies RAF Thorpe Abbots, which was originally built as a satellite station to RAF Horham.

The 100th Bombardment Group of the 8th Air Force arrived at Thorpe Abbots in June 1943. The Group earned the nickname The Bloody Hundredth due to heavy losses incurred during eight missions to Germany. A dozen or more aircraft were lost on a single mission.

The 100th Bombardment Group flew its last mission on 10 April 1945; its 306th combat mission.

The commemorative flight then continues to RAF Halesworth, which was home to the 56th Fighter Group, flying P-47 Thunderbolts, and then to the 489th Bombardment Group (Heavy), flying B-24 Liberators.

From Halesworth, the Eagle Squadron makes its way to RAF Leiston. This will be an emotive experience for veteran Bud Anderson, as he flew his P-51 Mustang Old Crow with the 357th Fighter Group from this airfield. At this point, P-51 Mustang Miss Velma, carrying Bud Anderson, peels away from the formation for a reminiscent return to RAF Leiston.

Following on from Leiston, the Eagle Squadron continues to North Weald airfield, which was home to two American Eagle Squadrons in 1940, flying Supermarine Spitfires.

The Eagle Squadron’s final destination before returning to IWM Duxford is RAF Debden. This airfield was home to RAF Eagle Squadrons which were later formed into the 4th Fighter Group when the USAAF took over the airfield.

On returning to IWM Duxford, the Eagle Squadron will perform a missing man formation and a display before landing.

The image of American troops disembarking from a Huey has become an iconic image of the Vietnam War, and can be seen in many films, video games and television shows including The Green Berets, Platoon, Hamburger Hill, Apocalypse Now, Casualties of War, and Born on the Fourth of July. It is prominently featured in We Were Soldiers as the main helicopter used by the U.S. Author Robert Mason recounts his career as a UH-1 “Slick” pilot in his memoir, Chickenhawk.

The HU-1A first entered service with the 101st Airborne Division, the Army quickly pressed the new helicopter into operational service and Hueys arrived in Vietnam in March 1962. The Huey has long been a symbol of US involvement in Vietnam, and as a result of that conflict, has become one of the world’s most recognized helicopters.

During service in the Vietnam War, the Huey was used for various purposes and various terms for each task abounded. Hueys tasked with a ground attack or armed escort role were outfitted with rocket launchers, grenade launchers, and machine guns. These gunships were commonly referred to as Frogs or Hogs if they carried rockets, and Cobras or simply Guns if they had guns. Hueys tasked for troop transport were called Slicks due to an absence of weapons pods. Slicks did have door gunners, but were generally employed in the troop transport and medevac roles.

There’s so much more to see and do whilst visiting the Military & Flying Machines 2013 show, our excpectional 2 hour flying schedule, including the awesome B-17 “Sally B”, helicopter pleasure flights, 300+ military vehicles, living history displays, live entertainment, arena activities, including big bangs and even bigger vehicles! Kids’ activities, vintage funfair, refreshments, stalls, meet the veterans – there truly is something for everyone and at great value for money!
For the latest updates on the show visit www.militaryandflyingmachines.org.uk